It definitely raises blood sugars. A good hospital watches for high blood sugars and puts you on insulin and daily testing. I have been on insulin for eight years. I have been on orednisone and other glucose raising medications during this time. Fact of life. I am thankful for that insulin or my side effects would be causing great damage. Good luck with the asthma. I am glad you have excellent doctors watching you. People who take insulin in the hospital recover faster, by the way.